From the Editors: Welcome back to classes, Dubai students

WELCOME BACK: The return to classes in person today has come as huge relief for Dubai students - and their parents. It ushers in a sense of the ‘right normal’ as they attend school and interact with their peers and teachers face to face like old times. But in the excitement, they should not forget their responsibility in following the COVID-19 safety protocols. It is not a big ask considering the huge benefits that can be accrued from personally being in school. As the school community cherishes the long-awaited day today, it must also set the tone for a safe and healthy future [COMMENT BY: Sharmila Dhal, UAE Editor]

GUESSING GAME FOR NOBEL WINNERS THIS WEEK: This is the week when the Nobel prizes are announced and as usual there is a lot of excitement. Adjustments have been made for the pandemic, and some events have been cancelled in favour of a virtual ceremony. One prize will be announced each day from October 4 to October 8 and again on October 11. As with every year, all eyes will be on the Peace Prize announcement. The Nobel Committee never drops advance hints on the eventual winners, but that has not stopped bookmakers from placing bets. In the backdrop of COVID-19, the World Health Organisation is a favourite. But that has not stopped environment campaigner Greta Thunberg from figuring in the list again. The guessing game will continue till Friday. Let’s wait and watch. [COMMENT BY: Alex Abraham, Senior Associate Editor]

LIVERPOOL BOSS KLOPP CONCERNED ABOUT LACK OF COVID-19 JABS FOR PLAYERS: With fewer than half of the players at the 20 football clubs in the English Premier League receiving the vaccine for COVID-19, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp says he does not understand why so many are refusing to be jabbed. Only seven clubs’ squads are more than 50% fully vaccinated while according to the Reds boss, 99% of his players have been inoculated. “I got the vaccination because I was concerned about myself but even more so for everyone else around me,” said the German coach whose side face champions Man City at Anfield later tonight. The Premier League is planning to “reward” clubs whose coronavirus vaccination rates are high. Rules have been relaxed and fans are back inside stadiums but we have to remember that we are still fighting this pandemic. [COMMENT BY: Imran Malik, Assistant Editor]

BOLLYWOOD’S TROUBLED HISTORY WITH THE LAW: As the world woke up to the news that Shah Rukh Khan’s son Aryan Khan has been detained by Mumbai’s Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) following a drug bust aboard a cruise ship, the media-generated feeding frenzy has taken on a life of its own. Yet, even as TV news channels lament over the ‘privileged lives of Bollywood star kids’, one cannot deny that the film industry has cultivated a troubled relationship with the law over its alleged drug connections. While Aryan hasn’t been booked or arrested at the time of writing this, the young boy faces a trial by fire by mere association to a famous father. Let the law take its due course for now. [COMMENT BY: Bindu Rai, Entertainment Editor[